For college football fans, 31st October is not just about Halloween. To them, it’s the birthday of their GOAT Nick Saban. The former Crimson Tide head coach turned 74 this year. And being the family man he is, Nick had a lazed around birthday celebration in his drawing room. However, he just lazed a bit more; that’s when Nick got a scolding from his lady-love, Terry Saban. Yes, even the birthday evening came with no mercy. 

Do you remember how it was Terry, who brought to Nick’s attention the impact of NIL in college football culture? This, in turn, led him to hang up his coaching boots. Like always, Terry is the one who always wakes up Nick whenever he leaves things in autopilot mode. On his 74th birthday evening, a “SIT UP” command was enough to make the birthday boy wake up. Three days later, Nick’s daughter, Kristen, posted the clip on November 3.

It showed Nick, cocooned up in a comfy blanket, on his recliner. The TV played the Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills game with the GOAT’s eyes locked on the TV screen. What better gift can one want for their birthday? That’s when Terry walked in with a frosted birthday cake with candles lit up. Seeing Nick still in that position, his wife had to bring him back to reality with a stern “Sit up” command, and Nick immediately rolled his recliner into an upright position. 

“Think about a good wish…cruise, Italy, Greece, take the family,” Terry kept things peppy and handed over the cake for Nick to blow the candles. It perfectly captured the bond the duo shares. The couple has been married since December 1971. So, Terry has seen Nick grow as a head coach and then become the living legend of college football. 

It has been more than a year since he left coaching in college football. But Alabama fans might be reminded about one of their fondest memories on the eve of his 74th birthday. Throughout his entire 17-year tenure, holding the head coaching seat in Tuscaloosa, Nick only coached on his birthday of October 31, once. And the Crimson Tide squad ensured to give him a birthday gift on the gridiron itself. 

In 2020, Alabama hosted SEC opponent, the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and sealed a 41-0 blowout score. While October 31 is not the same anymore for Alabama fans, they eagerly wait for these moments. As fans enjoyed the cake-cutting session, Terry’s scolding was what they enjoyed the most, as found in the comments. 

Nick Saban’s loyal fans were impressed with the GOAT’s birthday celebration turning into a funny act

Given the current trend of college football with so many head coaching positions open, Nick’s name has caught the buzz to be taking up Brian Kelly’s seat, as returning to Baton Rouge will be a homecoming for him. However, given that he enjoys his retired life, that forced Terry to scold him, a fan feels it won’t be possible. He wrote, “The way he was chilling in that chair, goodluck to anybody trying to get him out of retirement. Lol.” Looks like even Nick wishes to take it, he will have to take Terry’s permission. 

Back in July last year, Nick dedicated the 2024 EPSY Awards “Icon Award” to his wife. In the speech, he claimed that Terry has been with him through thick and thin. A fan acknowledges it too, “She’s the boss. 👏” She never left Nick’s side as the couple changed bases 17 times before they settled in Alabama.

Nick serves as a consultant for Alabama, and he holds a chair on the ESPN College GameDay desk. However, given his attention fixed on the screen with a room full of people, it made a fan believe how the ex-head coach misses being on the gridiron. He wrote, “It almost looks like after he sat up he never took his eyes off the tv 😂.” Going by the buzz, the LSU Tigers might cook up the best offer that the Saban couple could no longer resist.

Nick has been the bench boss who compiled a 206-39 record during his tenure in Tuscaloosa. A fan without having a Crimson Red connection commented, “Not a bama fan, but I will happily say that he is THE GOAT & there will NEVER be another like him or Pat Summitt! Happy Birthday Coach!! 🐐” He has been one of the most unbreakable head coaches, under whom Alabama rattled off an incredible 100 straight victories against unranked foes.

Earlier, it was NIL; now it’s cake cutting. Nick Saban’s wife just knows how to bring her husband back on track. A fan had a good laugh and shared, “Mrs. Terry doesn’t miss a beat! Told that man to sit up in between lines singing happy birthday and holding his cake! 😂🙌❤️🎂” While the GOAT, as per the reports, flew to Baton Rouge after Brian Kelly’s departure, and has been offered $20 million per year for 3 years, he is now awaiting Miss Terri’s permission. Will she give him the green signal? Maybe only if Nick promises not to be lazy anymore.